Today in Soap Opera History (January 24)

1980: Miles's condition worsened on The Edge of Night.
1986: Drake Hogestyn debuted as John Black on Days of our Lives.
2000: Passions' Timmy called Dr. Bombay.
2005: As the World Turns' Lucy left town.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) became upset after reading the story of Kathy Roberts' arrest in the morning paper. Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) told her not to jump to conclusions about what happen, and that this was no time to selfishly think of herself when Meta was suffering.

Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.

1968: On Another World, Lee (Barbara Rodell) killed Lefty (Laurence Keith) with a fire poker after he attacked her.

1974: On Days of our Lives, Doug (Bill Hayes) and Alice (Frances Reid) discussed the best course of action for an ill Addie.

1986: Drake Hogestyn debuted as John Black on Days of our Lives when "The Pawn" was finally unmasked. The character first appeared in November 1985 with his face completely bandaged, played by Glen Vincent (3 episodes), and then Robert Poynton (14 episodes) until Hogestyn was cast and The Pawn's face was revealed.